Florida Firearms Laws
Overview of Florida state firearms laws. This is a summary, not legal advice.
Important Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources or consult an attorney. You are responsible for knowing and following all applicable laws.
Florida Quick Reference
- Purchase Age: 21 (all firearms)
- Permit to Purchase: Not required
- Registration: Not required
- Constitutional Carry: Yes (July 2023)
- Open Carry: Legal (2024)
- Waiting Period: 3 days (5 in some counties)
- Magazine Limits: None
- "Assault Weapon" Ban: None
- NFA Items: Legal with federal approval
Purchasing Firearms
| Topic | Summary | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years old to purchase any firearm in Florida (handguns and long guns). | F.S. 790.065 |
| Background Check | Required for all purchases from licensed dealers. FDLE conducts the check. | F.S. 790.065 |
| Waiting Period | 3-day waiting period (excluding weekends and holidays). Some counties have 5-day. CCW holders exempt. | F.S. 790.0655 |
| Private Sales | Legal without background check between private parties. Seller should verify buyer can legally possess. | No statute |
| No Permit to Purchase | Florida does not require a permit to purchase firearms. | N/A |
Concealed Carry
| Topic | Summary | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Carry | As of July 1, 2023, Florida allows permitless concealed carry for eligible individuals 21+. | F.S. 790.01 |
| CWL Still Available | Concealed Weapon License still available and provides reciprocity with other states. | F.S. 790.06 |
| CWL Requirements | 21+ (or 18+ military), Florida resident, complete training course, pass background check. | F.S. 790.06 |
| Reciprocity | Florida honors permits from states that honor Florida. Check destination state laws when traveling. | F.S. 790.015 |
| Vehicle Carry | Firearm can be carried concealed in vehicle without permit if securely encased or not readily accessible. | F.S. 790.25(5) |
Open Carry
| Topic | Summary | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Open Carry Legal | Open carry of firearms is legal in Florida as of 2024. | F.S. 790.053 |
| Recreational Activities | Also legal while fishing, camping, hunting, or going to/from such activities. | F.S. 790.25(3) |
| Brief/Accidental Exposure | Brief exposure of concealed firearm is not a violation. | F.S. 790.053 |
Self-Defense / Stand Your Ground
| Topic | Summary | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Stand Your Ground | No duty to retreat before using force in self-defense if lawfully present. | F.S. 776.012 |
| Castle Doctrine | Presumption of reasonable fear if intruder unlawfully enters dwelling, vehicle, or occupied vehicle. | F.S. 776.013 |
| Deadly Force | Permitted to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm, or forcible felony. | F.S. 776.012 |
| Defense of Others | Can use force to protect third parties under same circumstances as self-defense. | F.S. 776.012 |
NFA Items in Florida
| Topic | Summary | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Suppressors | Legal to own and use with proper federal registration. | F.S. 790.221 |
| Short Barreled Rifles (SBR) | Legal with ATF approval and tax stamp. | F.S. 790.221 |
| Short Barreled Shotguns (SBS) | Legal with ATF approval and tax stamp. | F.S. 790.221 |
| Machine Guns | Legal if registered pre-1986 with proper federal approval. | F.S. 790.221 |
Prohibited Persons
| Topic | Summary | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Felony Conviction | Cannot possess firearms if convicted of felony (until rights restored). | F.S. 790.23 |
| Domestic Violence | Cannot possess if convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or under restraining order. | Federal law |
| Mental Health | Cannot possess if adjudicated mentally defective or committed to mental institution. | F.S. 790.065 |
| Drug Users | Unlawful users of controlled substances are prohibited from possession. | Federal law |
| Under 21 | Cannot purchase firearms in Florida (exceptions for active military for handguns). | F.S. 790.065 |
Where You Can & Cannot Carry
| Location | Carry? | Notes | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schools (K-12) | No | Including school-sponsored events. Parking lot with secured firearm in vehicle may be exception. | F.S. 790.115 |
| College/University | No | Public or private. Vehicle storage rules vary. | F.S. 790.06 |
| Courthouses | No | Including courthouse grounds. | F.S. 790.06 |
| Polling Places | No | During elections. | F.S. 790.06 |
| Government Meetings | No | Legislative, executive, or court sessions. | F.S. 790.06 |
| Airports (Sterile Areas) | No | Past security checkpoint. Carry to checkpoint is legal. | Federal law |
| Bars (51%+ Alcohol) | No | Establishments primarily selling alcohol for on-site consumption. | F.S. 790.06 |
| Federal Buildings | No | Post offices, federal courthouses, etc. | Federal law |
| Private Property with Notice | No | Business can prohibit with proper signage. Not criminally enforced but trespass if refuse to leave. | F.S. 810.08 |
| Restaurants Serving Alcohol | Yes | CWL holders can carry in restaurants that serve alcohol (not bars). | F.S. 790.06 |
| Churches | Yes | Unless the church prohibits. No automatic prohibition. | No prohibition |
| State Parks | Yes | Legal with CWL or Constitutional Carry. | F.S. 790.25 |
| National Parks (FL) | Yes | Must follow state law in national parks. | Federal law |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Florida does not require a permit to purchase. You must pass a background check through a dealer and observe the waiting period.
3 business days statewide (5 days in some counties like Hillsborough). Weekends and state holidays don't count. CWL holders are exempt.
Yes, as of July 1, 2023 (Constitutional Carry). You must be 21+ and legally allowed to possess firearms.
Yes, recommended. The CWL provides reciprocity in other states, exempts from waiting period, and serves as ID.
Yes. Can be concealed in a car if 'securely encased' (closed glovebox, case, etc.) or not readily accessible, even without permit.
No. Florida has no restrictions on magazine capacity.
No. Florida does not ban so-called assault weapons or have feature restrictions.
No. Establishments that primarily serve alcohol for on-premises consumption are prohibited, even with CWL.
CWL holders can carry in the restaurant portion of establishments that serve alcohol, but not in bar areas.
No duty to inform in Florida, but recommended to keep hands visible and inform if asked.
Legal Disclaimer:
This summary is provided for general information only. Laws are complex and change frequently.
This is NOT legal advice. Always consult official statutes, the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services, or a qualified attorney for specific legal questions. You are solely
responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.